Mukhopadhyay, S., Kwatra, G., Pamela, A.K., & Badyal, D. (2017). Role of olanzapine in chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting on platinum-based chemotherapy patients: A randomized controlled study. Supportive Care in Cancer, 25, 145–154.
To evaluate the efficacy of olanzapine in the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in patients receiving platinum-based chemotherapy and prophylactic palonosetron and dexamethasone
This was a randomized, controlled, assessor-blind study.
Patients recorded the frequency and time of emetic episodes and the frequency and time of rescue antiemetics for the first five days. Patients also used the Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) Antiemesis Tool (MAT) to record the control of nausea and vomiting and intensity of symptoms from days 1–5. Patients also recorded any adverse effects on days 1, 3, and 8–10 and as needed, as well as the duration and severity of the adverse effect. A trained nurse assessed all patients between day 8–10. At this time, the patients' overall quality of life was assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life (EORTC QLQ-C30), version 3, questionnaire.
For patients receiving platinum-based chemotherapy, olanzapine is an effective addition for the prevention of CINV. The only side effect listed is more sedation.
Findings not generalizable
Olanazpine is effective for the prevention of CINV in this sample with few adverse effects. It may not be generalizable, but more studies are supporting its use.